Posts by patkinsella
Ash apocalypse on near horizon
Ash, the second most common tree in Britain, is likely to be completely wiped out right across Europe, according to research just published in Journal of Ecology. The beautiful tree is under twin attack from a disease called ash-dieback, and by an invasive and highly destructive beetle known as the emerald ash borer. As a … Continued
Spring gleaning: eye in the sky to unlock mysteries of March migrations
The sun tiptoed across the celestial equator last weekend, during the March equinox, and as I write this, the paschal full moon has just climbed into the sky, which all adds up to two things: astronomical spring has arrived in the Northern Hemisphere, and Easter will be celebrated on Sunday in Christian countries and chocolate-loving … Continued
Deadly toxic toads invade Madagascar
Madagascar is being invaded by a species of toxic toad that’s placing the African island’s unique native fauna in massive danger, also posing a significant threat to human health and even the nation’s economy, a new scientific study has revealed. The Asian toad (Duttaphrynus melanostictus), also known as the the Javanese, black-spectacled or black-spined toad, is … Continued